Living Our Sunshine with Susann Deysel
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5 Mins Read

How much does (it) cost on Reunion Island?

When doing an independent tour of a country you always kind-of want to know how much it costs to buy a bread or coke so you can budget. Well, here are some of the items we bought and their prices.

How much does alcohol cost on Reunion Island?

How much does beer cost on Reunion Island
The cost of imported beer
Description Price Shop
Amsterdam Black Rhum 50CL €2.29 Leader Price
Special Prestige 50CL €1.29 Leader Price
Biere Gold 50CL €2.20 Leader Price
Dodo in a can €1.15 Local shop in Saint Philippe
Dodo Bourbon Reunion Island
Dodo Bourbon is the local beer and is the cheapest

How much does a baguette cost on Reunion Island?

Tip: sliced bread is more expensive than a baguette! Eat what the locals eat and your groceries will cost less.

Description Price Shop
Baguette €0.65 Leader Price, Hermitage
Baguette €0.80 Leader Price, Saint Philippe
Sliced bread €1.49 Carrefour Sainte Suzanne

And if you want some margarine to go with your bread… we paid €1.90 for a 200g Plantafin. If for some reason you feel like you need tomato sauce, we paid €1.80 for a normal squeegee bottle.

How much does fruit and vegetables cost on Reunion Island?

Description Price Shop
Tomatoes x 4 which was less than a kg €1.81 Leader Price
Banana bunch 1kg €2.90 Fraicheur de l’est, Saint Andre
Onion per kg €1.80 Fraicheur de l’est, Saint Andre
Potatoes per kg €1.90 Fraicheur de l’est, Saint Andre
Pears per kg €2.40 Fraicheur de l’est, Saint Andre
Dried dates 250g €2.65 Carrefour Sainte Suzanne
Bag of carrots €2.08 Carrefour Sainte Suzanne
2 x green peppers €2.49 Carrefour Sainte Suzanne
Small bag of potatoes €2.61 Carrefour Sainte Suzanne

…and if you need salt to cook, we paid €2.75 for a 110g grinder at Carrefour.

How much does cheese and biscuits cost on Reunion Island?

Description Price Shop
Babybel 120g 6 pieces €2.75 Leader Price
Babybel 120g 6 pieces €2.49 Carrefour Sainte Suzanne
TUC 100g €1.63 Leader Price

How much do snacks cost on Reunion Island?

Description Price Shop
Chips BBQ 135g €0.99 Carrefour Sainte Suzanne
Oreo cookies 176g €1.80 Carrefour Sainte Suzanne
Mini Snickers 227g €1.99 Carrefour Sainte Suzanne

How much does Coke-Cola cost on Reunion Island?

Description Price Shop
1.5l €1.85 Leader Price
1,5l x 4 €7.29 Carrefour Sainte Suzanne

How much does a can opener cost on Reunion Island?

The cheapest, nastiest can opener will set you back €5.49 from a Leader Price! It is very expensive as that same can opener costs R38 in South Africa.

How much does Pilchards cost (in case you feel like you want some)?

€2.93 for a 425g can. If you get that plus a baguette you are set for a big lunch to share between 4 people.

How much does
fuel cost on Reunion Island?

We rented a Renault Trafic 9 seater diesel with a 60l tank and did over 400km. In the end we spent €105 to fill up. A Total garage in Sainte Clotilde charged us €1.21 per liter of diesel.

Some garages have people to help fill your vehicle, others don’t. In case they don’t you have to go inside the shop (usually) and pay upfront for fuel by cash and afterwards you will get the remainder/change.

Rental of the van costs us R5 000 for the 12 days and they reserved a deposit of €1100, but we got this back afterwards.

How much does McDonalds cost on Reunion Island?

Description Price
Bic Mac Meal with hamburger, Coke and chips €9.90
Kiddies meal with burger, chips, Coke and toy €3.70

There were signs everywhere celebrating 50 years of the Big Mac, but finding a McDonalds… well, that was not so easy. They hide out in the bigger towns.

We had other takeaways from places lots of locals seemed to be eating at. Those meals were cheap as chips!

Local food by the beach
This is a sandwich that I ate for lunch + dinner. It has been Americano’d – chips added. Think it was €2.65.
Local food on Reunion Island
Local fare that cost less than 2 euros and I ate twice from it

Entrance fees to attractions

Description Prices
La Saga Du Rhum Adults €10
Children 6-16 €7.50Seniors €7.50
Piton de la Fournaise (volcano) €0
Musee Stella Matutina Adults €9
Provanille Adults €6
Reunion Island Aquarium Family €32 (2 adults + kid)
Adult €9.50
Kids 4-12 €6.50

I took some random pics of items you can buy on Reunion Island

I couldn’t resist…

How much does chocolates cost on Reunion Island
Milka & Oreo

I buy a lot of honey in South Africa so I thought I’d snap a pic of the “Miel”.

Honey on Reunion Island
Delicious golden honey

I like my Madeleines fresh, but hey, whatever floats your boat.

Reunion Island bag of Madeleines
Madeleines in a bag

This one was my most impractical find. An appliance to make crepes and popcorn – what do you think, is it a winner?

How much does stuff cost on Reunion Island?
Popcorn and Crepe appliance – winner/loser?

If you haven’t read any of my Reunion Island family holiday posts, here you go:

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Travel Tips: DA 65 form & packing

With few days to go and lots to do before we leave for Reunion Island… I am beyond stressed as I have been working non-stop even over weekends and have barely had time to think about this holiday.

However, I have managed to at least scribble out a list of things to pack in-between work, taking a single 3 hour break, eating, taking Lexa out of the house so she doesn’t drive us mad and sleeping.

The biggest change in what I’m packing is that I’ve actually chosen to chuck in only jeans and T-shirts. Plus I only wear Jockey undies and they roll up so small… 1 pair of sneakers and flip-flops. That reminds me… I still need to print out medical aid documents…

Did I mention I’m only taking a cabin suitcase and bag for camera and documents?

SARS at the airport and the DA 65 form

You know, my back just went up when I read the horrible story of a guy having to pay R1,500 to bring his own old laptop back into the country. I mean really, for (bleep) sakes, it is stressful enough to travel and wonder what will get stolen at OR Tambo and not have to keep track of more forms for a trip. Seriously!

Anyway, download the form before you travel and complete it at home. You do not want to get into a situation where you have to fill in this form at the airport with all your electronics strewn on the floor – and forgetting something.

When you get to the airport and you are through the gates, get this form stamped at the SARS/customs desk.

I am nice enough to have found the link so you can download the DA 65 Registration of Goods for Reimportation form for airport customs.

Lexa is getting her first passport stamp – before she is 2!

So little Miss Lexa is the biggest issue because well, diapers and pram… I’m not going to wash clothes by hand every few days so I am packing enough clothes.

  • 4 pairs of socks
  • Sunhat
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste and hairbrush
  • 1 x 48 bag of diapers with wipes and cream
  • 1 x pair of “closed” shoes and a pair of flip-flops
  • 12 sets of clothing
  • 4 sweater sets
  • 2 blankets
  • Travel sleeping tent
  • Stroller
  • Harness so she can run but not get away

What do I do with my cats while I’m on holiday?

My cats are very important to me and they actually get someone to come stay with them. I want to know that all 3 my cats are home and safe.

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Travel Tips: Book your own trip online

It sucks that the Rand is such a volatile currency and just when you think, OK I’m going to do it, it tanks. Then you have to go back and talk to the travel agents again to see if there isn’t some special or other trip you could afford.

Well, to be honest I don’t use travel agents anymore. I make my own amazing holidays happen by doing all the work myself and using a few websites to get the cheapest flights and accommodation.

Check www.flightfactory.co.za to find and compare flights. You can even search multi city flights. Plus, book your flights online. It is not just for local flights either!

Accommodation… well, this is where it gets interesting. AirBnB has extra charges compared to Booking.com. It really comes down to after you’ve added all the costs, found spaces in the right places which site would work for you. I prefer Booking.com and even have the app on my phone with my itinerary and details of all the places I’ve booked.

Forex – sigh, you can only buy from 60 days before your trip. Subscribe to your bank’s forex newsletter and stay on top of the exchange rates. Some destinations it is easier to just take your credit card or a currency card, but other destinations like Zanzibar and the Maldives you need cash for the smaller informal transactions.

Anyway, I am finalising my list of things to do, places to go on Reunion Island and know that it is going to be epic!

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Travel tips for Zanzibar

I recently traveled to Zanzibar with dear hubby. We thought 4 hours flying, beach, why not…

He who wanders around by day a lot, learns a lot.
Atangaye na jua hujuwa.
(Kiswahili proverb from Tanzania)

We booked an All Inclusive holiday through Mango and it was a really good deal. Plus it meant the Rand could do what it wants (and a certain president could flap his lips as per usual) and we wouldn’t have unforeseen exchange rate issues.

Money

  • Get US dollars – in small bills. $1 dollar notes are A-OK for pretty much anything tip related.
  • Even if you get quoted in Tanzanzian Shillings you can pay in Dollars and get change in shillings. Exchange conversions are sometimes a bit loose and fast.
  • Running out of Dollars and still want to tip? No problem, have your Rands handy. They love a R10 or R20 more than no tip – and it’s worth more than Tanzanian Shillings.
  • On Mango you also still have to buy your drinks and food in the air – and you pay in Rands.
  • Credit cards are handy at hotels but useless when you buy from the locals. You will also be charged a 5% transaction fee.
  • You can exchange money at the airport after landing… I don’t trust airport currency rates.

Not all tour companies are equal

We used 2 different tour companies and I can say without a doubt that some will herd you around like cattle and others will actually go the extra mile.

  • Speak to the Beach boys, sometimes they are licensed with licensed taxis and boats. However if they fail to deliver… and not licensed, you are screwed.
  • Do go on a Blue Safari. It is amazing! Check the weather. It is no fun on a dhow when it hops over waves instead of gracefully gliding.
  • Go off-menu for tours. Request a tour of a local village combined with a visit to a market.

Chat to the staff

When you are friendly to the staff they will share some local secrets… and let you know what to look out for or which trips are really worth the money. They will also tell you more about their customs and food without you having to ask.

I was lucky enough to chat to a Maasai named Ngulele who got his friends together for a few photos. These warriors still wear their traditional clothes, most don’t speak English – but… meeting these friendly Maasai was certainly a highlight of my trip. I will write a post on them – so look out for it! (The Maasai generally take on the role as security staff at hotels.)

Buying souvenirs

Negotiate. Always negotiate. When you buy more than 1 item informal traders will offer discount already.

Support the informal traders, they have the same stuff as the formal shops – and they are usually cheaper.

Other stuff to take on your Zanzibar holiday

  • Waterless hand sanitizer
  • or wet wipes
  • lots of it… pack it on outings even.
  • Sunscreen
  • Mozzie repellant
  • Shoes to walk over coral
  • Snorkeling gear

How would I rate Zanzibar

  • Compared to traveling to Thailand and Maldives, Zanzibar offers great value.
  • The beaches are OK once you get past the coral but Maldives’ beaches are much better.
  • However the people in Zanzibar are friendlier than Maldivians and they definitely don’t bug you to buy stuff the whole time like the Thais.
  • The Maldives is much further but prettier.
  • If I had to choose between Thailand and Zanzibar it would not be Thailand.
  • You can drink beer outside of the resorts in Zanzibar but in the Maldives it is a little more strict. In Thailand the party goes 24/7.

I really loved Zanzibar. It is a beautiful country with friendly people and there is a lot to explore and do. I would go back in a heartbeat.

Don’t set sail using somebody else’s star.
Asisa firie nyota ya mwenzio.
(Kiswahili proverb from Tanzania)

I will also share the items that was really useful on this trip. Like these:

  • I took a a 3/4 sleeve BOODY shirt and wore it almost all the time.
  • Ugly shoes that water just streamed out of – because my “plakkies” got sucked down by the sand and kept dismantling itself.
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Why choose all-inclusive holidays when the Rand takes a beating

We all know that feeling when you finally decide you are going on that holiday to a country with a strong currency – and then suddenly someone says or does something and the Rand just plummets into a deep abyss. You then re-do your expenses calculations and realise that you will be adding a couple of thousand onto the holiday…and simply cannot afford it anymore.

That feeling sucks.

This year, for the first time ever, I booked a holiday that included flights, accommodation, food and all drinks. Then the Rand plummeted. It kind of felt like I took out an insurance policy against the Rand.

Yes, I still have to buy a bit of Forex (US dollars), but I still have 2 months. Anything can happen – right? If push comes to shove I can always go on less excursions, which means there will be no big credit card charges – but I probably won’t cut this part of the holiday either.

Reasons to book an inclusive holiday:

  1. You can budget before you even board the plane
  2. The Rand can free-fall and you will still be able to eat and drink
  3. There won’t be any dishes and you won’t need to hunt for food
  4. You don’t need to carry cash around at the resort
  5. You won’t have to book the components of your holiday separately

What is usually included in an All-Inclusive holiday?

Always check what is included in your All-inclusive holiday before booking as this may vary.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Snacks
  • Alcoholic Drinks (usually local only and top-shelf at an additional cost)
  • Tea & Coffee
  • Soft Drinks & Juices
  • Resort Activities
  • WiFi
  • Flights
  • Airport transfers

Choose an All Inclusive holiday today and take the stress out of planning your getaway – and beat the falling Rand. Because seriously, holidays are for relaxing and not worrying about a weak Rand.

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Essential Travel Tips

Keen to travel but hate the queues to get on the plane and wait for your food, here are my top 10 travel tips every new traveler should know.

  1. Choose a seat towards the back of the plane, you are almost guaranteed to board first as most international flights first board older people, families with children, first and business class passengers.
  2. Book in and choose your seats online from 72 hours prior to your flight.
  3. Book your meal before the flight. Special request meals are always served before regular meals.
  4. If you are traveling with someone and both love to sit on isle seats book on either side of a middle row or on two isle seats separated by an isle. The book a middle row trick sometimes even gets a 3 seat coach for the 2 of you – not many people like to sit in the middle of 2 strangers.
  5. Take a sleep mask, not all airlines give these anymore.
  6. You do need to phone your bank’s credit card line to let them know that you will be using your card overseas – else they may try to phone to confirm if it was you spending money overseas. Failing to reach you, your card may be deactivated.
  7. Always check when you book your holiday/flights with a credit card if you can’t get free travel insurance. FNB offers this service with TIC.
  8. Take your facial cream in your hand luggage – you will thank me later.
  9. Catching multiple flights with different airlines? Rather take hand luggage if you know you won’t have a lot of time in the airport to wait for the luggage conveyor to spit out your suitcase, go through customs and security, check in and go through customs and security again.
  10. Always keep your passport on you. The hassle is not worth the 10 minutes of comfort. Seriously.

Traveling by plane is not for the impatient. Sitting around at airports aren’t fun. Getting to your destination and experiencing all the sights and sounds makes it all worth the hassle.

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